New Biochip System Enables Real-Time Monitoring of Fish Gill Epithelial Barriers

The University of Southampton has developed a microfluidic platform for real-time monitoring of fish gill epithelial barrier function. The system integrates a modular microfluidic chip with micro-electrodes, high-frequency impedance analysis, and automated data processing to enable electrical monitoring of cellular behaviour.

The biochip is integrated with a nanoporous membrane on which cells are grown. The system employs a Raspberry Pi-controlled impedance analyser with a multiplexer to support simultaneous measurements from 5 chips. Custom GUI software provides real-time plotting of impedance, facilitating user-friendly operation during long-term experiments.

The platform was validated and tested using trout gill cells under continuous flow. Impedance readings over multiple days demonstrated progressive TEER development consistent with epithelial growth and junction formation. Surfactant-induced disruption of the epithelial cells confirmed the platform’s sensitivity to physiological changes as shown in the figure.

This system offers a scalable tool for evaluating pollutant-induced epithelial damage in aquatic species. The next phase includes testing with metal exposures (e.g. cadmium) and molecular correlation through mRNA extraction and gene expression analysis.